Geneva: The United Nations has warned that the increasing use of armed drones in Sudan’s civil war is leading to a dangerous rise in civilian deaths and pushing the conflict into a more destructive phase. UN officials say the attacks are becoming more frequent and deadly, especially in areas already devastated by two years of fighting.
According to the UN human rights office, at least 880 civilians were killed in drone strikes between January and April this year. The organisation said drone attacks now account for more than 80 percent of all reported civilian deaths linked to the conflict during that period.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said the growing use of drones has changed the nature of the war and created fear among ordinary people. He warned that civilians are increasingly being targeted or caught in attacks in towns, villages, markets and displacement camps.
The fighting in Sudan began in April 2023 after tensions between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces turned into open war. Since then, the country has faced widespread destruction, with millions of people forced to flee their homes and large areas left without functioning hospitals, schools or public services.
The latest concerns focus on regions such as Darfur and Kordofan, where heavy clashes continue between the rival forces. Human rights groups and aid organisations say drone attacks have hit crowded civilian areas and caused serious damage to homes and medical centres.
In recent weeks, fresh drone strikes have also shaken the capital Khartoum and nearby Omdurman. Khartoum had seen a period of relative calm after the Sudanese army regained control over several parts of the city earlier this year. However, the return of aerial attacks has raised fears that the conflict could spread further and become even more unpredictable.
Sudan’s military leadership has accused foreign countries of supporting some of the attacks with weapons and technical assistance. The United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia have both denied the allegations. International observers say the war has become increasingly complex because of foreign involvement and the use of advanced military technology.
Aid agencies working in Sudan say civilians are paying the highest price. Doctors and humanitarian workers report that many victims are women and children. Some attacks have reportedly struck near food distribution points, shelters and hospitals where displaced families had gathered for safety.
Medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières recently described several deadly incidents in Darfur in which civilians were killed or badly injured by drone strikes. UNICEF has also expressed concern about the growing number of child casualties linked to the conflict.
The United Nations believes the expanded use of drones could make peace efforts even more difficult. Traditionally, heavy seasonal rains slow down fighting in Sudan because roads become difficult to use. But drones allow armed groups to continue attacks from the air even during difficult weather conditions.
Humanitarian organisations are also warning about worsening hunger and displacement across the country. Millions of Sudanese families are now living in camps or temporary shelters with limited access to food, clean water and healthcare. Some regions are already facing famine like conditions.
International pressure is growing for renewed peace talks and stronger protection for civilians. However, attempts to secure a lasting ceasefire have repeatedly failed as both sides continue military operations.
The UN has called on all parties involved in the conflict to stop attacks on civilians and respect international humanitarian law. Officials say immediate action is needed to prevent Sudan from sliding deeper into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.